Music and Memory

Music can activate more parts of the brain than any other stimuli we experience. It is the last part of our brain that Alzheimer/dementia can touch. When music has meaning to us and is attached to a particular memory it acts like a gateway to stimulate pathways in the brain that are otherwise unreachable. It is permanently recorded in our motions and emotions like a back door to our memories that are hidden by dementia. MUSIC & MEMORY® is a non-profit organization that helps individuals with a wide range of cognitive and physical conditions to engage with the world, ease pain, and reclaim their humanity using personalized music. Millions of aging Americans face cognitive and physical difficulties. Despite the best efforts of loved ones, their lives often lack meaning, spontaneity, choice, and reliable social interaction. But there’s reason to hope for a better life as we age. Music & Memory can help people in nursing homes, care organizations and at home who suffer from a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges to find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music. You can find detailed information about the program at musicandmemory.org